Korea, France to set up high-level defense talks

By Rachel Lee

President Moon Jae-in and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to set up regular bilateral talks between foreign and defense ministers from the two countries as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on the North Korean nuclear issue.

In their first bilateral meeting, held Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, Moon expressed gratitude for France’s active role in the matter, and the two leaders agreed to cooperate closely by utilizing all possible measures for Pyongyang’s denuclearization.

The two also said they would create minister-level dialogue in the business, education and science sectors.

Moon suggested that Seoul and Paris cooperate in new industry development by utilizing complementary skills and capabilities.

Mentioning his visit to Korea as the minister of economy, industry and digital affairs in 2014, Macron expressed satisfaction with the progress in joint research since the launch of the Korea-France Joint Forum for Innovative Industry.

He expressed hopes for the diversification of cooperation though bilateral meetings between finance ministers at the ASEM Economic Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held in Seoul in September.

Before the talks, Moon touted Macron’s election as a political revolution that astonished the world.

He also said he was elected president thanks to what he dubbed a “candlelight revolution” _ candlelit rallies that led to the ouster of President Park Geun-hye for her involvement in a massive influence-peddling and corruption scandal.

The two leaders pledged to work closely anytime, anywhere for five years, noting that they began their five-year terms at almost the same time.

President Moon also held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the sidelines of the G-20 summit, Saturday, explaining the new government’s measures to tackle the North Korea nuclear problem. The leaders expressed their support for working together with Seoul regarding Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

Trudeau expressed concerns about Lim Hyeon-soo, a Korean-Canadian pastor detained in North Korea. Moon said they will work closely together for the release of those detained in the North.

Moon and the Indian prime minister agreed to develop their special strategic partnership and cooperate in science and technology to cope with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and contribute to job creation.

The leaders of Australia and Korea shared the view of promoting free trade and dealing with spreading protectionism. They also agreed to expand cooperation, especially in the energy sector.

Moon also met with U.N. General Secretary Antonio Guterres the same day.

Guterres stressed the U.N.’s firm commitment to securing peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the denuclearization of North Korea.

The secretary general also underlined the U.N.’s stance against a war on the Korean peninsula, saying that it supports the need for dialogue not only with North Korea, but also with all neighbouring nations in the region.